EVERTON will play a high risk game of patience, in a bid to land David Moyes' first choice transfer target.

The Blues will take their interest in Sean Davis (pictured) right up to the August 31 transfer deadline, secure that the player wants to move to Merseyside.

But if Fulham dig their heels in and the Blues miss out, they must then wait until the transfer window re-opens again in January before they can add to their squad - leaving Moyes to work with exactly the same squad of players who just missed out on Europe last season.

Goodison officials remain confident that the 23-year-old will eventually end up an Everton player, despite the latest rebuff from Fulham. But the Blues insist that they do not value the midfielder any higher than #5m.

Everton improved the conditions of their latest bid yesterday, which was again rejected by Fulham. But there was a chink of light when sources in London said The Cottagers were now holding out for #6m, a million less than their original valuation.

Fulham are in talks with Sunderland for the #3.5m transfer of Claudio Reyna. The player is also on #20,000 a week on Wearside and that swoop could accelerate Davis's departure.

The player has already indicated privately that he wants to move to Merseyside, but the Blues may have to wait right up to the August 31 deadline to get their man.

David Unsworth, meanwhile, has hit out at critics who claim Wayne Rooney will find it tougher in his second full season of Premiership football.

"He will be even better than last year," said Unsworth. "Paul Merson said that Wayne has had his 'free season' now, but I don't agree. He should concentrate on himself and people in general should leave Wayne alone.

"I know he is already a big star, but when you've got the quality he has, and you see it day in and day out like I do, people should keep their opinions to themselves.

"Wayne will do his talking on the pitch. He will never have a quiet time or a quiet season. He will always be there, making headlines for his football.

"He's got amazing skill. He's dedicated and he wants it. All this 'free season' stuff is rubbish. It will be tough for him, but it will be tough for everyone."

The Blues, meanwhile, have offered a short trial to French striker Cyril Chapuis from Marseille.